Free The Seafront Tea Rooms by Vanessa Greene Page B

after.’
    She shook her head. ‘Obviously it didn’t work out that way.’
    ‘What went wrong?’ Kat asked, her voice soft.
    ‘One morning we got up, talked about our honeymoon to Italy over breakfast, and took the bus into the office. I sat down at my desk, ready to start work, same as any other day. Then Jess – my boss – called me and asked me to come into her office. All sorts of thoughts went through my mind – that I’d overlooked some detail or missed a deadline. But no – she’d heard from the sales guys about Ben sleeping with a lap dancer on one of their nights out. Apparently they were all talking about it.’
    ‘Ouch,’ Kat said, shaking her head. ‘Your boss told you?’
    ‘Yes. As if finding out wasn’t humiliating enough in itself. I broke up with him that night, and the next day I stuck every card he’d ever given me into the shredder at work.’
    ‘Good for you,’ Séraphine said.
    ‘There was no way I was going back to him,’ Charlie said. ‘Anyway, what’s so galling is that I think he was relieved. I guess he’d been looking for a get-out, and that was as good a way as any. I’m glad I’m not with him, I truly am. But I still feel as though it took away part of me. It hasn’t been easy, even though I know it was for the best.’
    ‘There’s a lot to be said for being single,’ Kat said.
    ‘There certainly is,’ Charlie agreed, smiling.
    Séraphine nodded, but didn’t say anything. Kat wondered if it was because she was shy, or if she was holding something back. She seemed comfortable having the conversation, but it was as if she preferred to let Kat and Charlie do most of the talking.
    ‘Spending all evening in the bath with a glass of wine and a good book – you can’t beat that,’ Charlie said.
    ‘Starfishing in bed,’ Kat said. ‘That’s my favourite thing. ‘Oh, and eating ice cream at midnight.’
    ‘Yes. Although for me it’s got to be Dairylea and crisps, in a sandwich.’ Charlie added.
    ‘Eewww!’ Kat screwed up her face.
    ‘Absolutely – try it,’ Charlie insisted.
    ‘I guess even a foodie’s allowed time off. What else?’
    ‘Watching what I want, when I want,’ Charlie batted back. ‘No complaining during The Great British Bake Off .’
    ‘Time to sew quilts, and cushions.’
    ‘I don’t seem to get round to any of that,’ Charlie said, laughing. ‘But reading the paper and not having to hand over the best sections – that’s another thing I love.’
    ‘Knowing how to fix all the small things in your house. Because no one else is going to mend them for you.’ Kat added.
    ‘Oh, yes,’ Charlie laughed. ‘I’m even a spider-removal expert these days.’
    ‘There’s more time for friends,’ Séraphine said.
    ‘Yes,’ Charlie agreed, smiling warmly. ‘Definitely that.’
     
    Charlie paid the bill, and put on her jacket. ‘OK – our next stop is over by the river.’
    ‘Let’s go,’ Kat said, getting to her feet.
    The sun was out as the three women walked through town, down cobblestone streets and past Tudor buildings that now housed boutiques and restaurants. A group of tourists stopped to take photos by the city walls.
    ‘This place is so pretty,’ Séraphine said.
    ‘Yes, it is. It’s quiet though, isn’t it?’ Charlie said.
    ‘Do you think?’ Kat said, surprised. She glanced around at the shoppers and sightseers, conscious only of the bustle of activity surrounding them.
    ‘Compared to London, I suppose,’ Charlie said. ‘When I’m away, I always feel as if I’m missing out on something.’
    ‘You’re not,’ Kat said assertively. ‘Maybe now’s a good time to talk through the Cardinal Rule of Afternoon Tea.’
    ‘Oh?’ Charlie said, raising an eyebrow.
    ‘What’s that?’ Séraphine asked.
    ‘Let’s sit down,’ Kat said, motioning to a bench.
    Charlie checked the time on her phone. ‘Now?’
    ‘Yes,’ Kat insisted.
    ‘But…’
    Kat took Charlie’s hand, and the three women sat next to